Ruth Evelyn Ladwig

Ruth E. Ladwig, 87, of Sumner, Nebraska, died Sunday, November 4, 2007, at her home in Sumner. She was born February 12, 1920, at Overton, Nebraska, to Harvey and Jennie (Monnington) Rakestrow. Ruth grew up in Overton and graduated from Overton High School with the class of 1938. She was united in marriage to Kenneth C. Ladwig on April 16, 1941, five children were born to this union. They made their home in the Sumner/Eddyville area for 52 years, where Kenneth farmed and had employment with the area hay mills and the Dawson County Weed District. Ruth was a cook in the SEM School District for numerous years. She was a member of the Sumner Senior Citizens, Park Valley Aid and the Eddyville Homemakers. She looked forward to her weekly trip to town on the handi-bus and her daily walk with friends. More than anything Ruth loved her family. She enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for family events. She made her final cake last week for a great-granddaughter’s birthday. She never passed up a chance to attend a ballgame, a wrestling match or just an opportunity to spend time with her family. Survivors include four children: Mary Lou (Keith) McFarland of Sumner, Nebraska Darrel (Sue) Ladwig of Hillsboro, Texas Russ (June) Ladwig of Lewellen, Nebraska Kay (Marvin) Thompson of Elm Creek, Nebraska 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth in 1992; daughter, Cheryl; grandson, Dan Johnson; and great-great-granddaughter Riese Micah Fletcher, and one brother, Marston Rakestrow. Services will be Thursday, November 8, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at United Church of Sumner-East Campus with Pastor Ken Hutson, officiating. Burial will be in the Sumner Cemetery at Sumner. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 7, 2007, from 5-7 p.m. with the family present from 5-6 p.m. at Reynolds-Love in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Sumner Cemetery Flag Project, the Sumner Senior Citizens or the Sumner Rescue Unit. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.